State Of M.P vs Rakesh

The Supreme Court held that the Madhya Pradesh High Court's reduction of the sentence for rape under Section 376 IPC was illegal as it did not adhere to the minimum sentencing requirements prescribed by law. The Court emphasized that the High Court failed to provide adequate and special reasons for deviating from the statutory minimum of 7 years imprisonment, thus violating Section 376(1) IPC. The Supreme Court reinstated the original sentence imposed by the trial court, finding the High Court's judgment to be cryptic and lacking in proper consideration of evidence.